Leader’s responses to raised matters
The Leader responds to Senators’ requests, referring lone-parent payments, cycling facilities, tracker mortgages, Down syndrome supports and other issues to the relevant Ministers or noting that matters were already debated.
Senators O’Brien and Mooney asked about lone parents. That matter was discussed at length in the House when the Minister was present dealing with the Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013. There was a long debate on it in the House.
Senator Bacik and several other Senators referred to on-the-spot fines and planning for cyclists. There is no doubt that local authorities have made great strides in providing facilities for cyclists but there is obviously a lot more to be done in that regard in local authority areas throughout the country. I note the points made by several Senators and I will ask the relevant Minister of State, Deputy Kelly, to discuss the matter with us in September.
I do not propose to accept Senator Mullen's amendment to the Order of Business. The changes have been made in line with a reshuffle of spokespersons. It is not upsetting the balance in any way. Those occupying positions on the Government side are not being replaced by anyone other than Members on the Government side.
Senator Jim D'Arcy referred to cycle lanes and on-the-spot fines. As I stated, I will ask Minister of State Deputy Kelly to address the House on that matter.
Senator Byrne referred to the practice of putting mortgages into trusts, as mentioned in a newspaper today. He referred to secrecy and fees and implied the public should be made aware of what is occurring. I agree there is a need for public awareness and for legislative change in regard to trust law, as has been spoken about for quite some time. It is long overdue.
Senator O'Keeffe requested a further debate on suicide awareness. I will consider this when we return in the autumn.
Senator Barrett mentioned the submissions that have been made on structural reform of the banking system. I note his support for the 12.5% corporation tax rate.
Another important matter was addressed by Senator Colm Burke, which is the amount of claims against the Irish hospital system. That issue was raised previously with the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, when he was in the House, and with the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White. It is something that will have to be kept on the agenda in the coming months.
Senator Ó Clochartaigh called for a debate on the Irish language media. As regards the action plan for jobs, as Senator Mullins said, 75 jobs were announced yesterday, 15 of which are in Kinvara. I am sure that Senator Ó Clochartaigh welcomes those job announcements. It is positive news and I am sure he is a very positive person in addressing matters in this House.
As regards Senator Keane's point, the Criminal Justice Act 1990 provides for a 40-year minimum sentence, which replaced capital punishment.
Senator O'Donovan referred to social welfare appeals, which are dealt with by an independent appeals body. I appreciate what the Senator said and I agree with him that we have unacceptable delays in the system. If he tables an Adjournment matter, he could get an update on the question of social welfare appeals.
As regards the point raised by Senator Norris, when that Bill is put on the Order Paper on Monday, I will have no problem in accepting that it be published.
Comment on this
If the Senator does not mind, I will not comment on matters in the other House. I will leave it to Deputies to look after that.
Senator Michael D'Arcy mentioned the troika report and matters relating to tracker mortgages. I will bring those points to the attention of the Minister for Finance.
As regards Senator Mooney's point, I am certainly not going to delve into Fianna Fáil matters. I will leave it to that party's members to deal with.
Senator Healy Eames referred to the needs of children with Down's syndrome. I will check to see when the Minister intends to make that statement which, as the Senator said, is overdue at this stage.
I wish to thank Senator Moloney for her dignified comments this morning. A lot is going on concerning the JobsPlus and Pathways to Work initiatives. There are improvements and, while there is a lot more to be done, the tide is turning for job creation. Well over 2,000 jobs per month are being created, which is a significant change. In the three years prior to the Government taking office, over 250,000 jobs were lost. Things are changing but it will not happen overnight. The Government is listening and tailoring matters to the requirements of employers and the unemployed.
Senator O'Sullivan raised a question about the metal bridge in Charleville railway station, seeking that it be brought to the attention of the Minister for Transport, but it is an issue for Irish Rail. I will have no problem in bringing it to the company's attention and the Minister's attention also.
Senator Conway welcomed the increase in Garda recruitment. As of last month, the force numbered 13,200 so it is to be welcomed that Garda recruitment will recommence soon.
Senator Bradford mentioned the Leaders' allowance for political parties, but I am not qualified to address that. It is a matter for the Oireachtas Commission which, I am sure, will consider it in its deliberations if it is brought to the commission's attention.
Senator Mullins referred to job creation and, in addition, we would all echo his sentiments on farm safety, water safety and road safety. The message is to be safe and bí cúramach in the coming weeks and months.